Anchorage summers are cool and often damp, and most visitors are headed somewhere colder and wetter. Pack layers and a real rain jacket, even in July, and more warmth if you are going on to Denali or a cruise.
Anchorage weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°F-3°C | 27°F-3°C | 36°F2°C | 43°F6°C | 54°F12°C | 61°F16°C | 64°F18°C | 64°F18°C | 55°F13°C | 43°F6°C | 30°F-1°C | 25°F-4°C |
| Low | 16°F-9°C | 16°F-9°C | 23°F-5°C | 30°F-1°C | 41°F5°C | 48°F9°C | 54°F12°C | 52°F11°C | 45°F7°C | 32°F0°C | 19°F-7°C | 14°F-10°C |
| Rain days | 7 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryDark and icy. December averages a 25°F (-4°C) high and 14°F (-10°C) low, and January and February 27°F (-3°C) and 16°F (-9°C). Days are very short around December. Pack an insulated jacket, thermal layers, insulated boots and ice cleats. It is a good season for northern lights on clear nights away from city lights.
Spring
March–MayDry and brightening. March averages 36°F (2°C) and 23°F (-5°C) with just 4 rain days, April 43°F (6°C) and 30°F (-1°C), and May 54°F (12°C) and 41°F (5°C). Snow melts into mud in April. Pack a warm jacket, waterproof shoes and sunglasses.
Summer
June–AugustCool, long days. June averages a 61°F (16°C) high and 48°F (9°C) low with 5 rain days. July has 64°F (18°C) and 54°F (12°C) with 9 rain days, and August 64°F (18°C) and 52°F (11°C) with 11. It rarely gets hot. Pack layers, a rain jacket, insect repellent and a sleep mask for the late sunsets.
Autumn
September–NovemberThe wettest season. September has 14 rain days, a 55°F (13°C) high and 45°F (7°C) low. October drops to 43°F (6°C) and 32°F (0°C), and November 30°F (-1°C) and 19°F (-7°C). Pack a waterproof jacket and boots; snow often arrives in October.
What to bring to Anchorage
0 of 24 packedA waterproof shell handles Anchorage's damp summers and September's 14 rain days.
The women's version of the same shell, for wet days and boat trips.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Less-drowsy chewables help on glacier boat tours and cruise days out of Alaska ports.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin repellent keeps mosquitoes off on summer trails and lakes.
- MZOO Sleep MaskSleep & Comfort
A sleep mask helps with Anchorage's late June sunsets.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes fit warm layers for a Denali or cruise extension.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold drains batteries in winter, so carry a power bank.
Clothing
- Base layer tops and bottoms · 2 setsWinter lows of -9 to -10°C
- Fleece mid layer · 1
- Insulated jacket · 1Dec–Feb, and for Denali or cruise days
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 set
- Hiking pants · 2
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots · 1 pairWet trails and glacier day trips
- Insulated winter boots · 1 pairNov–Mar icy sidewalks
- Ice cleats · 1 pairSidewalks stay icy for months
Gear
- Binoculars · 1Wildlife on Denali and cruise days
- Sunglasses · 1Spring snow glare
- Daypack · 1
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm · 1
- Moisturizer · 1Cold, dry winter air
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Travel insuranceFor remote Denali and glacier trips
Tech
- Phone and charger
What shoes should you pack for Anchorage?
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots in summer, for wet trails and glacier day trips. In winter, insulated boots and ice cleats, since sidewalks stay icy for months.
What do people wear in Anchorage?
Outdoor clothing everywhere. Fleece, rain jackets and boots are normal in restaurants. Nobody dresses up.
What to pack for Denali or an Alaska cruise from Anchorage?
Warmer and more waterproof gear than Anchorage itself needs. Denali and the cruise ports are colder and wetter than the city. Bring a waterproof shell, a warm mid layer, a hat and gloves, binoculars and motion sickness tablets for boat days.
What plugs does Anchorage use?
Alaska uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter, and should check chargers handle 120V (most phone and laptop chargers do).
Tours and things to do in Anchorage
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Anchorage.
What should you leave at home for Anchorage?
An umbrella as your only rain gear, shorts-only summer outfits and fancy shoes. Wind makes umbrellas awkward, and summer highs top out around 64°F (18°C).
Packing for Anchorage: questions people ask
What should I wear in Anchorage in July?
Layers and a rain jacket. July averages an 64°F (18°C) high, a 54°F (12°C) low and 9 rain days.
Is Anchorage cold in summer?
Cool rather than cold. July and August highs average 64°F (18°C), and evenings are chilly.
What is the wettest month in Anchorage?
September, with 14 rain days on average.
Can you see the northern lights in Anchorage?
Sometimes, on clear dark nights from roughly autumn to spring. Driving away from city lights helps.
What should I wear in Anchorage in January?
Insulated jacket, thermal layers, boots and ice cleats. January averages a 27°F (-3°C) high and a 16°F (-9°C) low.
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